Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town sits at the meeting point of mountains, ocean and history, forming one of the most distinctive landscapes in South Africa. This Cape Town travel guide explores the city through its nature, culture and coastline, giving you an in-depth look at what makes it such a compelling stop on any South Africa itinerary. From the steep trail to Lion’s Head to the smooth ride on the Table Mountain cable car, from the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap to the penguin colonies at Boulders Beach, Cape Town tourism has a rare way of combining beauty, curiosity and lived experience.

Travellers come for different reasons. Some want to explore Cape Town beaches such as Camps Bay and Muizenberg. Others want the history of Robben Island or the dramatic cliffs of Cape Point Lighthouse. Many seek scenic drives like Chapman’s Peak Drive or Cape Town hiking routes inside Table Mountain National Park. Whatever your interests, Cape Town offers depth, contrast and constant discovery.

This guide goes beyond surface-level tips. It digs into the best places in Cape Town, how to design a Cape Town itinerary, and practical travel advice so you can explore confidently.

How to Get to Cape Town

Cape Town is served by Cape Town International Airport, one of the busiest in South Africa, with domestic links from Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth. Most long-haul flights connect through Johannesburg before arriving at the Cape. Once you land, the drive into the city is straightforward and scenic, taking you through open plains with Table Mountain framing the horizon.

If you’re travelling within South Africa by road, the Garden Route is a rewarding way to approach Cape Town, known for its dense forests and long beaches. Long-distance buses also operate between Cape Town and major South African cities. Train travel is limited for intercity routes but still possible if you’re planning a slow, scenic journey.

Reaching Cape Town itself is only the beginning. The surrounding Cape Peninsula, from Simon’s Town to the Cape of Good Hope, feels like a world of its own and deserves space in your South Africa itinerary.

Exploring Cape Town

1. Table Mountain and Lion’s Head

Table Mountain National Park dominates the city, offering viewpoints, forest paths and rugged cliffs. The Table Mountain cable car is the easiest way to reach the summit. The cabin rotates as it rises, giving a 360-degree view of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles.

For a more active experience, the Lion’s Head hike is one of the most rewarding trails in the city. It’s popular at sunrise and sunset, when the light settles over Camps Bay and the ocean turns a deep gold. The trail is steep but manageable, and you’re never far from views that define Cape Town tourism.

2. V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront blends leisure and history. Set around the harbour, it offers open-air dining, local craft markets, boat cruises and museums. It’s also the departure point for the ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent most of his imprisonment. For many travellers, this is one of the most meaningful Cape Town attractions.

Helicopter flights also leave from nearby, giving you a Cape Town helicopter tour over Table Mountain, Clifton beaches, and the sweeping curve of the Atlantic coastline.

3. Bo-Kaap and Its Cultural Roots

Bo-Kaap stands out with its brightly painted houses and steep cobblestone streets. The area has deep links to Cape Malay heritage, reflected in its food, culture and long-standing community traditions. Visiting Bo-Kaap is less about taking photos and more about understanding the layers of Cape Town’s history.

4. Cape Town Beaches

Campus Bay:

A lively, scenic beach backed by the Twelve Apostles. The long promenade makes it ideal for sunsets and relaxed afternoons.

Muizenberg Beach:

Known for surfing schools and its row of colourful beach huts. The waves are gentle, making it one of the most approachable Cape Town beaches for beginners.

Boulders Beach:

Home to the famous Boulders Beach penguins. Boardwalks keep the habitat protected while allowing close views of the colony.

Miller's Point Tidal Pool:

A quieter swimming spot near Simon’s Town, popular with families and those seeking calmer water.

5. Cape Peninsula: A Full-Day Escape

The Cape Peninsula is one of the most spectacular day trips in Cape Town. Follow the coast past Hout Bay and take Chapman’s Peak Drive, a scenic route known for dramatic cliffs and panoramic sea views. Further along, the Cape of Good Hope marks the southwestern tip of the African continent. The climb to Cape Point Lighthouse offers an even wider view of the ocean.

6. Food and Drink in Cape Town

Cape Town’s food scene is diverse, from contemporary cafés to local favourites.

• Truth Coffee Cape Town is often considered one of the most distinctive cafés in South Africa, known for its roastery and bold industrial style.
• Clarke’s Bar Cape Town focuses on fresh, casual dishes with a laid-back feel.
• Honest Chocolate Café is ideal for tasting small-batch chocolate in a cosy setting.
  
  

7. Hidden Gems in Cape Town

Beyond the well-known attractions, several spots offer quieter moments.

• Kloof Corner for a sunset viewpoint without the crowds of Lion’s Head.
• Cecilia Forest for gentle walking shaded by tall trees.
• Hout Bay’s harbour market for local crafts and small-scale food vendors.
• Small beaches along Clifton, especially Clifton 3rd and 4th, which feel tucked away despite being close to the city.
  

Things to Do 

• Lion’s Head hike
• Table Mountain cable car
• Cape Town helicopter tour
• Explore the V&A Waterfront
• Visit Boulders Beach penguins
• Drive Chapman’s Peak Drive
• See Bo-Kaap colourful houses
• Ferry to Robben Island
• Relax at Camps Bay or Muizenberg Beach
• Visit Cape Point Lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope
• Discover small cafés like Truth Coffee, Clarke’s Bar and Honest Chocolate Café
• Explore Simon’s Town and Miller’s Point Tidal Pool
  

Where to Stay in Cape Town

Accommodation in Cape Town varies depending on the experience you’re seeking. Luxury options along Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront offer ocean views, refined service, and easy access to key attractions, while the area near the Twelve Apostles provides a stunning blend of mountain and sea scenery. Mid-range travellers often choose Sea Point, which combines good transport links, coastal paths, and a variety of restaurants, offering comfort without the higher waterfront prices. For those on a budget, Observatory and Green Point feature guesthouses and small hostels conveniently located near public transport, providing practical and accessible options close to the city’s main sites.

Tips or Practical Advice

• Cape Town transport: MyCiTi buses serve major routes, and rideshare apps are widely used. Renting a car is recommended for Cape Town day trips or longer drives along the Cape Peninsula.

• Safety: Stay aware in certain areas, stick to busy streets at night, use official taxis or rideshare apps, and avoid flashing valuables. Most tourist zones are well-monitored and busy during the day.

• Cape Town packing list: Bring layers for changing weather, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, hiking shoes for Lion’s Head or Table Mountain, and a light jacket even in summer.

• Best time to visit: Summer (December to March) is ideal for beaches and long days. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking and scenic drives.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q: What are the best places in Cape Town for first-time visitors?
Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Bo-Kaap and the Cape Peninsula are ideal starting points.

Q: Is Cape Town safe for solo travellers?
Yes, as long as you follow normal urban precautions such as using licensed transport and avoiding quiet areas after dark.

Q: Which beach in Cape Town is best for families?
Miller’s Point Tidal Pool and Muizenberg Beach offer calmer water and family-friendly conditions.

Q: How many days do you need for a Cape Town itinerary?
Four to six days covers the main Cape Town attractions, with extra time for Cape Town day trips or wildlife experiences.

Q: Does Cape Town have good hiking options?
Yes. Lion’s Head, Table Mountain trails and the Cape Peninsula cliffs are among the top Cape Town hiking routes.

Q: Can you visit Cape Town as part of a wider South Africa itinerary?
Absolutely. Many travellers combine Cape Town with Johannesburg or wildlife reserves such as Kruger National Park.

Q: What is the best coastal drive near Cape Town?
Chapman’s Peak Drive is considered the most scenic, offering dramatic views over the Atlantic Ocean Cape Town coastline.

Conclusion

Cape Town blends natural drama, cultural depth and coastal beauty in a way few destinations can match. Whether you’re tracing the curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive, watching penguins shuffle along Boulders Beach, or sipping coffee at a small roastery after a day of hiking, the city invites slow exploration. You can find more guides and hidden gems like this on The Peace Destinations website. It’s a place that rewards curiosity, and each visit feels slightly different from the last.